Black Dresses For Party Season

I’m sure most of you are thinking “I can’t believe another year has flown by”. It’s the same story every year “so done with this year, bring on 2019, I’m going to be a better version of myself when the clock strikes midnight” and all that jazz. But how about ending the year getting your finest threads on, slapping on that lippy and making the most of the final weeks of 2018. A New Year shouldn’t be the reason to think more positively and achieve more of your goals, why not start now? I think this is why I truly struggle making New Years resolutions. 

Whether you’re off out on your office Christmas party, date night with your loved one (even that lucky Tinder guy), or tearing up the dance floor on New Years Eve, there are plenty of dresses for you. I must say, I am actually digging sparkle this year if paired with a knit or blazer. But a simple black dress with a bit of detailing is definitely more me, and in line with my motto of only purchasing items I will wear time and time again. 

I’ve put together this small edit to help you find that cute new dress. Now, is it just me who still doesn’t have their Christmas tree up??

Shop my look:

The Greta Mini Dress: L'Academie via Revolve

Knotted Satin Bag: Mango

Shoes: Zara, similar here and here

Lipstick: Wild Ginger, Tom Ford

Photographed at The Artist Residence, London

The Paris Instagram Guide

If you’ve been following along over on Instagram, you would have noticed my Paris trip has come to a close! I’ve visited three times in the last year and each trip doesn’t disappoint. This trip was a little different to my previous 2 trips with my tripod. It was a girls trip with Hannah Crosskey from A Fashion Fix blog and we had an absolute blast! It’s one of my favourite cites to photograph, and due to popular demand I have put together a guide to the city for anyone that is gracing the streets in the near future. 

Where to stay? 

Each Paris getaway I have experienced a new area, and this trip we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Bourg Tibourg which is located in Le Marais. The location is conveniently located a short 5 minute walk to the 1 line on the Metro (yellow train) which will connect you easily to major tourist attractions like The Louvre, Saint Michel and with a quick change to The Eiffel Tower. This is the best way to explore Paris and trains are frequent. I can confidently say Paris has one of the best subway set ups for any major city. Download the Paris Metro app to navigate around and buy the 10 book tickets as it will save you money buying each train ride individually. 

Le Marais is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Paris. Quaint coffee shops, cool boutiques and a handful of museums are all located in walking distance from the hotel. I visited The Pompidou years back, and to this day was still my favourite museum. It’s a lot more interactive than most and they always have cool contemporary exhibitions on. The view from the roof cafe is a hidden gem!

https://bourgtibourg.com/en/

The ‘Instagram Spots’ 

After numerous trips, I have a handful of locations that are winners every time. To get the ‘it’ shot I believe a big factor is rising at sunrise to capture the image efficiently without the crowds. Hannah and I were waking up at around 5am, and were photographing until about 11am. This gave us the afternoons to go at a leisurely pace, kick back and people watch from our favourite cafes. If you are not a morning person you will struggle at this, but the more you get your ass out of bed to produce magical sunrise work it gets easier, and in turn motivates you more the next time.

The Eiffel Tower is accessible from numerous Metro stations, but I always jump off at Concorde. There are multiple locations to shoot around here, but start by walking down the steps towards the river. The locations in today’s post are on the bridge crossing The Seine, and a cobbled street across the river called Rue De L'Universite. (If you wanted to miss out the first part catch the train to Bir Hakeim to be on the correct side of the river). We were lucky to have a sunny morning so the light play was phenomenal but literally lasted about 10 minutes at around 7:15am. Perfect warm light I literally live for so, this made me so happy!

Tuileries Garden is perfect for something a little different to your usual cafe shots. It’s peaceful and super quiet in the mornings and is only a short walk from The Louvre. It’s also a great place to take a book and have some time out, or even take a journal and write down your thoughts. There's a Ferris Wheel nearby so take a second outfit in your handbag so you can change to get a completely different backdrop.

The Louvre opens at 7am (including the outside area) so we were the first in there to capture these shots. We were actually 30 minutes too early so decided to wander around for a little bit! Be mindful it’s closed on Tuesday’s. Make a booking at Cafe Marly. They do the best Club Sandwich and vanilla hot coffee.....it’s a must! You can book online and I have only ever requested outside seating when I arrive. Staff are super friendly and for such a busy cafe it never feels rushed. Avoid 2pm onwards, it's a lot quieter in the mornings.

Rue Saint-Honoré is located behind The Louvre and has great shopping and cafes. Just a warning, coffee is not cheap in Paris and cafes don’t open early like in some countries! You can pay up to 12 Euros a cup so you have been warned (but so worth it to use their bathroom as a changing room!) I photographed at La Rotonde Cafe on my trip last September which you can view here

The Peninsula Hotel. If you want to splash out, this is the place to dine for lunch! We chose Le Lobby, and sat on the terrace as the weather was glorious. I have to say it was the best meal I have ever had! I opted for duck and melon to start and lobster bisque tagliatelle for main. Hannah had Beef Carpaccio. If you’re a Pinterest girl like me you may have stumbled across the glass restaurant on the top floor - L’Oiseau Blanc. You have to book at least four weeks in advance to secure a table. They also have a beautiful rooftop with views of the city so make sure you head on up for drinks after lunch. 

Place Vendôme. I first shot this location all the way back in 2014! You can see the post here (cringe!) All the high end designer shops Carrie Bradshaw would die for are located here: Chanel, Dior, Van Cleef and Arpels to name a few, and if you are feeling super fancy head across the street to Hotel Costes for a cocktail.

Montmartre. Jump off the train at Anvers and take a right uphill towards The Sacre Coeur. The streets are cobbled and winding so make sure you have sensible footwear on! There are many locations on the walk up and I particularly like the cafes just to left of the carousel. I didn’t venture there with Hannah on this trip, but shot here back in March. See the post here. There are numerous art shops and painters towards the Sacre Coeur and none of the cafes or shop owners had any issues me taking my pictures outside. 

Pont Alexandre III. Again, we didn’t shoot at this bridge on this trip but photographed here with my tripod back in March which you can view here. This is the bridge with the gold ornate details and you’ll see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. 

Cafe Kitsune is located in the gardens of The Royal Palace, and what I love most about this place is the merchandise you can purchase - from coffee cups, to the coffee beans to tote bags. They are constantly collaborating with new artists, so each visit feels a little different.

There are so many more photogenic spots in the city but I have tried to condense all my favourite spots into one post. Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions about visiting Paris. Like any major city, be aware of pick pockets and if you have a camera on you make sure it's inside a bag away from sight. I’ll be making these travel guides more frequently in the coming months. I have some fun trips planned so look out for them!

The Plaid Coat Investment

Well, it’s been a while since my last article so thought I’d save it for my recent six night Christmas visit back to the UK! I am a winter girl through and through (even though I am now an officially an Australian Resident!) I will always favour the layers over bikinis. What was the reason I moved to Australia again……?

I had been looking for a nice warm coat in the weeks leading up to this trip, especially because my home city was blessed with snow a few weeks prior to my arrival. Great tease, I was already planning my snow shots! Well unfortunately no snow graced the ground on my visit. Either way, it was cold on some days, so my plaid coat came in handy! 

There’s a few reasons I was after a checked style over any other:

1. The majority of my wardrobe is monochrome. The plaid lifts most looks.
2. When I am in a cold country, basics are usually my go to. Especially jumpers and jeans. Your coat will elevate your outfit.
3. There’s something so classic about a good pattern. Especially when paired back with timeless accessories. i.e. the beret.

Today I have styled with a leather look mini and cream knit. The button detailing is perfect, and the fit of this skirt is the comfiest I own. I’ve always had a soft spot for faux leather so will be wearing this one a whole lot more.

Is anyone else really getting into red right now? If you've been following my stories you may have noticed another style obsession - the beret. I now have 5 colours and counting. Now to figure out a way to still wear them in Sydney, even though we are going through a heatwave……

Also, big shout out to my mum for taking these pictures. Saved me setting up the tripod and freezing for any longer than I needed to. Did you follow me when my mum used to take all my images before moving to Australia?

Shop my look:

Leather look skirt: Majorelle via Revolve (SOLD OUT but similar here and here)

X Revolve Sabra Coat: Lovers + Friends via Revolve

Knitted Jumper: Interval (releasing soon). Similar here and here

Black boots: Zara. Similar here and here

Medium Faye Suede and Calfskin Shoulder Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Red Beret: ASOS

Invest In Denim

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it…. Invest in good denim ladies! If you’re anything like me, a quarter if your wardrobe is occupied with a variety of washes. I have never owned so many jean shorts since moving to Australia, but this season was all about culling the pairs that just aren’t doing do it for me anymore. I want a pair of shorts that are going to stay rigid to the eye, but comfortably fit in all the right places. 

I have to admit, I’m becoming a little snobby when it comes to this particular section of my wardrobe. It’s a fabric that’s a STAPLE all year round, and I’m all about ‘real’ denim which will last year on year. The one piece I have been loving this season is the cropped denim jacket. It’s a cute take on the classic 80’s layer, and a nice change up to the oversized Boyfriend style which is more suited for day in day out. I’m open to the Canadian tuxedo - I actually wore blue denim shorts and this jacket featured today (aka double denim styling), but last weekend the button up flares won. The look was styled back with a cotton white tee and my super extra Gucci’s - because its time to show these babies some lovin’ again - only on non rainy days! 

So I guess my message today is take time trying on all your jeans and denim pieces you've had a while. Do they wash well? Do you feel amazing in them? Are they a style which will see you through to next season? If you are umming and arring it’s time to give them up and shop around to find brands that love your body. For me, that’s GRLFRND Denim, and has been for the last six months. 

Revolve currently have up to and free express shipping to Aus until the 16th November. Trust me, there are lots of classic cuts and trend denim pieces on sale! Don’t miss out!

Shop my style:

Cara Cropped Denim Jacket: GRLFRND via Revolve

Split Pants: similar here, here and  here

On Ice Tee: Also, Freedom

Leather Mid Heel Loafer: Gucci

Spiral Hoop Earrings: Reliquia via The Iconic

Chloe Medium Faye Suede and Calfskin Shoulder Bag: Chloe via FWRD

Directed and photographed by Jiawa Liu from Beigerenegade

The Blouse You Can’t Ignore This Summer

Warm tones and peek a boo blouses - sounds like summer is on it’s way. I think it’s safe to say that the coldest of winter is over. Us lucky ones in Sydney have been teased with 26 degree days in August and our Instagram feeds are begging us to consider spending an Aussie winter in Europe. Yes, I was tempted to pack my bags for eight weeks to say the least. 

The tie front blouse is the new button up, but for the more daring. I think the only way to rock this is with denim or wide legged pants. It’s definitely the perfect style for the smaller of cup sized ladies amongst us (wishing I could join that club already) but until then, I will settle for a lace bralette and delicate gold jewellery. 

Once my six pack gets here, I’ll brave this style with low slung denim shorts. Wish me luck!

Shop my look:

Meia Deep V Blouse: By The Way via Revolve (sold out but similar here)

Karolina High Rise Skinny Jean: GRLFRND via Revolve

Kyra Mules: Senso via Farfetch

Square 90s Sunglasses: ASOS

Spiral Hoop Earrings: Reliqua via The Iconic

Fine Lace Bralette Black: The Iconic

Photo credit to Jo from Jo Hombsch blog

Euro Summer Feels

Is it winter you ask??

Even though we are in the height of winter in Australia, it definitely doesn’t feel like it when treated to 26 degree days. Time to get your pins out ladies, and what better way to flash some skin than with a cute mini skirt. I recently discovered the brand ‘By The Way’ which is easy on the eye and bank account. I am already prepared and excited for an Aussie summer, but before then I am bookmarking my favourite pieces for a trip to Europe next month. I haven't seen my family back home for nearly three years so can't wait! 

Today’s look is a very Euro summer inspired. Parlez-vous français? Me neither, but you get the gist. Motif tees and printed minis will probably dominate my summer closet (and of course denim) but until then I've opted for a trusty blazer to keep my look in check. I couldn’t resist the straw addition which was a good find on my recent trip to NYC. I can feel this style bag being a key piece for next season, so I have linked some of my favourite at the bottom of this post.

It may sound optimistic to suggest that winter is well and truly over, but I’d like to remain with that notion. I’ve put a stop to investing in winter clothes for the sake of closet space and my bank account. Summer style is definitely on my mind, and Revolve are helping me ease into the coming season nicely. It’s great to stay ahead of the trends shopping Northern Hemisphere.

It’s always difficult shopping online, especially from overseas because you always want to buy a few options to try on at home, but then stuck with a return postage bill which is all 5 of your morning coffees for the week. 

Not cool. 

No need to worry about return shipping costs anymore! Revolve offers free 3 day Express shipping and free returns. Your caffeine fix will not be taken off you I promise!

Shop my look:

Jaime Skater Skirt: By The Way via Revolve

Parfemme Tee: Parfemme, similar here and here

Cream blazer: similar here and here

Leather Mid Heel Loafer: Gucci

Basket Bag: similar here and here

Photo credit to Jo from Jo Hombsch blog